Eating too much? Guru Dr Deepak Chopra says youre probably trying to fulfill another need, one thats nothing to do with food. Here, he describes how to break free from the habit.

An honest inventory of your needs and how you are fulfilling them will go a long way toward helping you be more aware, says Chopra, in his new book: What Are You Hungry For? (Rider, £12.99). First you need, go through each of the needs listed below, rating how well you are doing for each one, from Very Well, About Average, Below Average, Poorly. Next, list specifically what you are doing to meet the need. Give yourself a suggestion about how to do better. This will give you a connection to what is really going on, and with that awareness, you have begun the process of finding true well-being, says Chopra.

The 7 human needs are:

*Comfort, security, safety. Examples: Owning a house, having a trusted partner/spouse, earning a secure income, living in a safe part of town, taking out insurance, saving for retirement.

*Love and affection. Examples: A loving partner/spouse; close friends; a family where affection is open; being appreciated for your good deeds, service, compassion; believing in Gods love.

*A sense of belonging. Examples: Being part of a community, joining a cause, being of service, bonding with coworkers, working in a cooperative atmosphere, making connections with close friends, mentoring, finding a confidant.

*Self-esteem. Examples: Speaking your truth, standing up for yourself, being proud of who you are, appreciating your accomplishments, letting others see who you really are, valuing others as you value yourself, showing dignity.

*Creative expression. Examples: Writing, journaling; having creative hobbies like music, painting, and community theater; following your curiosity; making new discoveries; exploring a foreign culture; developing healing and therapeutic skills.

*Meaning and purpose. Examples: Having a vision and following it, spiritual practice, feeling connected to a higher power, humanitarianism, charity, giving of yourself

Taken from Deepak Chopras new book, What Are You Hungry For (Rider, £12.99). You can buy at Amazon

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